An introduction by the Police and Crime Commissioner
As your Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my job to set the budget for Warwickshire Police for the next financial year and also ensure support services have the resources they need to help victims of crime across the county.
Over the past year, the funds contributed by taxpayers have helped to boost police officer numbers in Warwickshire to their highest ever levels – now topping 1,000 officers. They have also helped me to invest in the transformation of the technology, equipment and buildings which underpin frontline policing.
Victims of crime have benefited too, with services remaining available to give tailored help, as and when victims need it. I've also been able to fund programmes to divert people away from crime and others which help to prevent crime and improve community safety.
I am keen to protect all of this local investment as much as possible. However, it is impossible to ignore that this has been an unprecedented year, with the coronavirus pandemic having a wide impact on people's lives and damaging the economy. The pressures on public sector funding have never been greater.
It’s clear that we cannot spend more money than we have, so tough decisions may be needed locally in order to set a balanced budget. What you tell me through this survey will be vital to informing the decisions that lie ahead, so I thank you for taking the time to complete it.